Mystery of Time

Chapter 12: Make her a better person

Kio scowled, his voice low and firm. "I told you to stay away from her, didn’t
I?"
Yuri, unfazed, met his gaze. "At first, I didn’t understand her nature, but
don’t worry, now I do."
Kio scoffed, turning away in frustration.
Yuri continued, her voice steady. "I might not be great at socializing, but I
am good at following through on my intentions."
Amelia watched the interaction with a mixture of curiosity and unease, her
thoughts swirling. ‘What changed Yuri’s behavior in just a day?’ she
wondered, unable to detect the subtle shift in her own emotions.
The class teacher’s voice broke the tension. "Everyone, we have a project.
You need to pair up with a partner within the next three days."
Yuri’s eyes widened with sudden interest. This was her chance to get closer
to her mother, even if it was just as a classmate. She stood abruptly.
"Teacher, isn’t three days too short to choose a partner?"
The teacher sighed. "It’s not a life partner, Yuri. Just pick someone who
makes you feel comfortable. Now sit down."
Kio grabbed her hand, pulling her back to her seat. "Am I not enough?" he
whispered.
Yuri whispered back, "No, you should choose someone else."
Kio’s eyes narrowed with hidden anger as he walked over to Amelia. "Will
you be my partner?" he asked, his voice louder than necessary.
Amelia blinked, confused. "Huh?" Before Kio could repeat his question, Yuri darted forward, pulling him away.
She leaned in close, her voice low and urgent. "What are you doing?"
Kio shrugged, a smirk on his face. "Choosing someone as my partner, like
you said."
Yuri laughed, a sound filled with forced cheer. "And she makes you feel
safe, helps you, right?"
Kio’s smirk faded, his head lowering in disappointment. Before either of
them could say more, the classroom door burst open.
"Hello everyone, I’m Eden," a new voice rang out. "Sorry I’m late, teacher."
The teacher barely had time to respond before Kio’s face lit up with joy.
"Will you be my partner, Eden?" he blurted out, dropping to one knee in a
mock proposal, his eyes filled with exaggerated tears.
Eden laughed, lifting Kio to his feet. "Of course," he said, smiling down at
him.
The classroom erupted into murmurs of surprise. Amelia tilted her head in
thought, watching the scene unfold. Yuri, meanwhile, remembered her first
encounter with Eden and how different he seemed now.
As Kio walked back to his seat, he whispered to Yuri, "Do you know why I
chose Amelia before? Because without you, she was the only person I
knew. But now, I have my brother!" He smiled, his face brimming with pride.
Yuri’s heart sank as she realized that Kio’s intentions might be
misunderstood. But she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on her
mission: to create a love story between Amelia and Kio, her parents. Time
was running out—she had only three days to become Amelia’s partner and
friend.
The teacher’s voice cut through her thoughts. "And that’s all for today,
everyone. Wish our new pairs, Kio and Eden, good luck!" Day 1: Gathering Information
Yuri spent the night before the project deadline in turmoil. Her mind raced
with ideas, but none seemed right. She finally turned to Bo for advice.
"Please, can you give me some guidance?"
Bo, ever wise despite his age, responded calmly. "Friendship and love don’t
require strategies. They develop naturally when thoughts connect."
Yuri sighed, nodding. "I suppose you’re right."
The next day, Yuri entered the classroom with Eden and Kio, her mind
laser-focused on her mission. Amelia sat in her usual spot, alone in the last
row, her demeanor cold and distant. Yuri chose a seat in the front row, far
away but with a clear view of her mother. ‘If I want to befriend her, I need to
understand her thoughts,’ Yuri mused.
The teacher’s voice snapped her out of her reverie. "Class President Yuri,
what are you staring at back there?"
Yuri blinked, realizing she had been lost in thought. She noticed that Kio
and Eden had taken her usual seat in the middle of the classroom. It wasn’t
that Kio could replace Eden in her life, but she had chosen to distance
herself, believing that space might attract Amelia’s attention.
The teacher continued, addressing Kio. "And the second class president,
Kio, why are you gossiping with your partner, Eden? Do we have any
responsible leaders here?"
Amelia suddenly stood, her voice cold. "Can I?"
The teacher seemed surprised. "Oh, right, the third class president. Please,
help me with this task."
Amelia’s smile was small but noticeable as she accepted the responsibility,
drawing the attention and respect of the class.
Yuri muttered under her breath, "I see, you want attention." The teacher handed Amelia some documents. "Fill these out and feel free
to ask your partner for help."
Amelia’s voice was flat. "I don’t have a partner, sir."
The teacher hesitated. "Well, I suggest you pair up with Yuri. She’s also
one of our best students who hasn’t chosen a partner yet."
Yuri choked on her water, startled by the suggestion.
Amelia quickly responded, "There are still two more days. I’ll choose
someone later."
The teacher’s disappointment was evident, but he nodded. "As you wish."
Class ended quickly, and soon, Yuri was surrounded by her classmates, all
eager to help.
"We noticed you seemed distracted today. Are you okay?"
Yuri hesitated before responding, "I want to befriend Amelia. Can you tell
me anything about her?"
Her classmates exchanged glances before laughing. "There’s nothing
special about her. We could find you a better partner if you want."
Yuri’s expression remained calm. "I have my reasons."
Just then, Amelia approached, the crowd parting to let her through. The
room fell silent.
"Tell me about you," Amelia said, her tone blunt.
Yuri blinked, caught off guard. "Huh?"
"I’m collecting student information," Amelia clarified. "You’re the last one."
Yuri bristled. "But I’m the top student!"
"Shut up and tell me about yourself," Amelia snapped. Yuri sighed. "Fine. I’m Yuri Peranse, roll number one. Anything else?"
Amelia’s eyes narrowed. "Peranse family, huh? Okay, done."
Yuri’s frustration bubbled over. "Hey! What’s wrong with my family? Are you
ignoring me?"
Amelia walked away, her cold demeanor unchanged.
After observing the interaction, one of Yuri’s classmates spoke up. "Amelia
used to be a popular and lively girl, but everything changed after Kio joined.
She was top of the class until he came along. Now, she’s just cold and
distant. We’re afraid her behavior might become permanent."
Yuri mulled over their words as she walked through the halls, her mind
heavy. She stumbled into the teacher, mumbling an apology.
The teacher stopped her. "Is there something between you and Amelia?"
Yuri’s eyes widened in surprise. "No! I mean, she’s my…"
"She’s your what?" the teacher pressed.
Yuri sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I just want to be her friend, but she
won’t let me."
The teacher’s expression softened. "You’re a bit suspicious, but maybe I
can help."
Yuri’s eyes lit up. "Thank you, sir!"
Day 2: Putting the Plan into Action
That night, Yuri lay awake, her thoughts a jumble of anxiety and hope.
"I’m so nervous! The deadline is so close," she murmured, staring at the
ceiling. Bo, lounging on the couch, replied, "Some things are best left to fate. But I
think fate is on your side. You’ve got support, and you’re smart enough to
figure it out."
Yuri smiled softly. "Sometimes I forget you’re just a kid. You sound like my
dad."
Bo grumbled playfully. "Don’t call me a kid or your dad! I’m just…"
"My little advisor," Yuri finished with a laugh. "I know, I know."
Bo yawned. "Get some sleep. You’ll need it tomorrow."
The next morning, Yuri arrived at school with Kio and Eden, mentally
preparing herself for the day ahead. As they settled into their usual routine,
Eden mentioned something about a surprise, leaving Yuri curious and
slightly uneasy.
As Yuri tried to get closer to Amelia, she noticed that her interactions with
Kio were becoming strained. She resolved to fix things between them after
befriending Amelia.
Suddenly, Kio and Eden stood up, holding their completed project.
"Teacher, we’re done already," they announced.
Yuri was startled. Was this surprise a help or a hindrance?
The teacher praised them but quickly turned his attention to Yuri and
Amelia. "Maybe this will inspire Yuri and Amelia to pair up."
Amelia scoffed, and the teacher quickly backpedaled, realizing that words
alone wouldn’t change her mind.
Kio and Eden waited, eager to see the teacher’s reaction. "Are you not
going to accept our project, teacher?" The teacher hesitated before addressing the class. "I have a special
announcement! As Halloween week is near, I’ve arranged a game of
escape.